consumers and carers

Mental health needs the same type of investment and reform as the Federal Government has promised to deliver for aged care and for people with diabetes.

The Mental Health Council of Australia ( MHCA ) has today released an issues paper on the application of Activity Based Funding ( ABF ) to mental health in Australia. “Activity based funding is a reality for mental health in Australia. The mental health sector and mental health consumers and carers should join the debate about how implementation of ABF should occur”, said Frank Quinlan, CEO of the MHCA .

A study by the Mental Health Council of Australia has revealed that the levels of stigma experienced by mental health consumers seeking treatment from mental health and other health professionals are similar to the levels of stigma reported in the general population. “The MHCA is calling on all health professions to examine their approach to mental illness and ensure people experiencing mental illness and their carers receive the same level of non-judgemental care and concern as people with any other health condition”, said Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia.

A study by the Mental Health Council of Australia has revealed that the levels of stigma experienced by mental health consumers seeking treatment from mental health and other health professionals are similar to the levels of stigma reported in the general population. “The MHCA is calling on all health professions to examine their approach to mental illness and ensure people experiencing mental illness and their carers receive the same level of non-judgemental care and concern as people with any other health condition”, said Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia.

The Mental Health Council of Australia has launched a survey targeting young mental health carers on Facebook. The Young Carers Project survey app aims to collect information from young mental health carers about their caring role; what sort of caring activities they undertake; how caring impacts on their day-to-day lives; what supports are available to young mental health carers in their area; and the appropriateness of these supports.

10 October 2011 was World Mental Health Day. This day is a time to recognise and acknowledge the advancements and progress we have made in ensuring all Australians have access to a quality mental health system.

10 October 2011 was World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day is a time to recognise and acknowledge the advancements and progress we have made in ensuring all Australians have access to a quality mental health system.

A long awaited evaluation into the mental health Better Access initiative shows that while the Commonwealth’s billion dollar outlay through the Medical Benefits Schedule has increased the rates of treatment for some, too many Australians in need of services are still missing out.

The MHCA broadly supports the introduction of Flexible Care Packages for treatment in primary care settings for use by mental health consumers.

The MHCA has launched a survey application targeting young mental health carers on Facebook. We need your help to both disseminate information about this survey and assist us to find young mental health carers who are willing to publicly share their experiences.